Child Safety Seat

Abstract

The child safety seat for a vehicle includes a main seat, a harness, and a belt positioning seat. The main seat includes a backrest, a seat bottom attached to the backrest, and a pair of belt guides. The seat bottom has a first seating surface that defines a receiving space between the pair of belt guides. The harness includes first and second straps and a crotch buckle. The belt positioning seat includes a seat body and at least one belt positioning guide. The seat body has a second seating surface and a bottom surface. The at least one belt positioning guide protrudes upward from the second seating surface. The seat body is removably coupled to the seat bottom within the receiving space such that when the seat body is positioned within the receiving space, the crotch buckle is positioned above the second seating surface and removably fastened to the first and second shoulder straps.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Priority claims and cross-references This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 159,727, filed March 11, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 221,502, filed July 14, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 221,503, filed July 14, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0002] Many booster seat products currently on the market are sold as booster seats with a removable backrest that can be converted to a backless booster seat as the child grows. The legal age requirement for a child to sit in a booster seat has increased over the years, and current booster seats are rated for children aged 10 years. At age 10, a child may be carried by a different guardian. For example, a parent may drop the child off at school and another guardian may pick the child up after school. Existing booster seats are usually large and bulky, making it difficult for a child to carry the booster seat or requiring parents to purchase multiple booster seats.

[0003] Additionally, many child booster seats and convertible seats currently on the market are sold with object holders, such as cup holders and / or snack holders, that typically extend beyond the width of the seating surface, resulting in an overall width of the seat that is greater than the width of the seating surface. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment, a child safety seat for a vehicle includes a main seat, a harness, and a belt positioning seat. The main seat includes a backrest, a seat bottom attached to the backrest, and a pair of belt guides. The seat bottom has a first seating surface that defines a receiving space between the pair of belt guides. The harness includes a first strap, a second strap, and a crotch buckle. The belt positioning seat includes a seat body and at least one belt positioning guide. The seat body has a second seating surface and a bottom surface configured to be placed on the vehicle seat. The at least one belt positioning guide protrudes upward from the second seating surface. The seat body is configured to be removably coupled to the seat bottom in the receiving space such that when the seat body is positioned in the receiving space, the crotch buckle is positioned above the second seating surface and removably fastened to the first and second shoulder straps.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a child safety seat includes a base, a main seat, a lock, and a belt positioning seat. The main seat is supported on the base and includes a seat bottom and a backrest. The seat bottom includes a pair of belt guides defining a receiving space therebetween. The backrest is attached to the seat bottom and configured to move relative to the base such that the backrest moves between an upright configuration and a reclined configuration. The lock is configured to selectively secure the main seat relative to the base in the upright configuration and the reclined configuration. The belt positioning seat is configured to be received in the receiving space to removably couple the belt positioning seat to the main seat. The belt positioning seat includes a seat body and at least one belt guide. The seat body has an upper seating surface and a bottom surface adapted to be disposed on a seat on a vehicle. The at least one belt guide protrudes upwardly from the seat body.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a child safety seat includes a reclining base, a main seat, a harness, and a belt positioning seat. The main seat is supported by the reclining base. The main seat includes a seat bottom and a backrest. The seat bottom includes a seating surface configured to support a child thereon. The backrest is attached to the seat bottom and includes a surface configured to support the child's back. The harness includes a first strap, a second strap, and a crotch buckle. The belt positioning seat includes a second seating surface and at least one belt positioning guide. The belt positioning seat is configured to be removably coupled to the seat bottom. The child safety seat is selectively configurable in the following configurations: 1) a rear-facing configuration in which the main seat moves from an upright position to a reclined position relative to the reclining base; 2) a forward-facing harnessed booster configuration in which the main seat moves from a reclined position to an inclined position relative to the reclining base; 3) a forward-facing harnessless booster configuration in which at least a portion of the harness is removed or positioned under the main seat cushion; 4) a forward-facing backless booster configuration in which the backrest is removed from the seat bottom; and 5) a belt positioning booster configuration in which the belt positioning seat is removed from the main seat.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a belt positioning seat is configured to be removably attached to a main seat of a child safety seat. The belt positioning seat includes a seat body and at least one belt guide. The seat body has a seating surface and a bottom surface opposed to each other to define a plate-like shape. The bottom surface is configured to be placed on the main seat when coupled to the main seat. The seat body includes an opening therethrough configured to receive at least a portion of a crotch strap of a harness of the main seat therethrough. The at least one belt guide is attached to the seat body. The at least one belt guide has a deployed position in which the at least one belt guide protrudes upward from the seat body and a stored position in which the at least one belt guide is stored in a storage cavity provided in the seat body.

[0008] According to another embodiment, the belt positioning sheet is configured to be removably attached to a main seat of a child safety seat. The belt positioning sheet includes a seat body, at least one belt guide, at least one movable latch, and an actuator. The seat body has a seating surface and a bottom surface facing each other to define a plate-like shape. The bottom surface is configured to be disposed on the main seat when the belt positioning sheet is coupled thereto. The at least one belt guide is attached to the seat body and protrudes upwardly from the seat body. The at least one movable latch is configured to transition between a latched position for fastening the belt positioning sheet to the main seat when received within a receiving space of the main seat, and an unlatched position for unfastening the belt positioning sheet from the main seat. The actuator is configured to be engaged by a user to transition the latch between the latched position and the unlatched position.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a child safety seat includes a backrest, a seat bottom, and at least one object holder. The seat bottom extends from the backrest along a first direction and has a seating surface. The at least one object holder is coupled to the seat bottom such that the at least one object holder is rotatable relative to the seat bottom between an extended position and a stowed position. The at least one object holder extends further outward from the seat bottom along a direction perpendicular to the first direction when the object holder is in the extended position than when the object holder is in the stowed position.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a child safety seat includes a seat back, a seat bottom, at least one object holder, and a tether. The seat bottom extends from the seat back and has a seating surface. The at least one tether attaches the at least one object holder to the seat bottom.

[0011] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which elements having the same reference numeral designations represent like elements throughout. It is emphasized that, in accordance with standard industry practice, various features are not drawn to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. In fact, dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of illustration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a front perspective view of a child safety seat according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 in a forward-facing high-back booster configuration. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 in a rearward-facing, reclined configuration. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 in a forward-facing, backless booster configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a backrest of the child safety seat of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the main seat of the child safety seat of FIG. 1, including the backrest and seat bottom of FIG. 4; [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat bottom of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 mounted on a base. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the seat bottom of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 mounted on a reclining base. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the main seat of the child safety seat of FIG. 1, including the backrest of FIG. 4 and the seat bottom of FIGS. 6A and 6B. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reclining base of the child safety seat of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 is a perspective view of an example reclining lock of the reclining base of the child safety seat of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 with a reclining base according to some embodiments and with the seating surface removed to show an alternative recline lock according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the reclining base of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the recliner lock of FIG. 10. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat having a reclining base according to some embodiments, the child safety seat being in a reclined configuration. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the child safety seat of FIG. 13, with the child safety seat in a reclined configuration. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the removable belt positioning seat of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 with a pair of belt guides in a stowed position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the removable belt positioning seat of the child safety seat of FIG. 15 with a pair of belt guides in the deployed position. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the removable belt positioning seat of the child safety seat of FIG. 15 with a pair of belt guides in the stowed position. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the removable belt positioning seat of the child safety seat of FIG. 15 with a pair of belt guides in the deployed position. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lock of the removable belt positioning seat of the child safety seat of FIG. 15, the lock having a pair of latches in the latched position. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the lock of FIG. 19 with a pair of latches in an unlatched position. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a removable belt positioning sheet according to an embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the lock of the removable belt positioning sheet of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a removable belt positioning sheet according to an embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the lock of the removable belt positioning sheet of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a side wall of the seat bottom of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 with the object holder removed, according to some embodiments. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a side view of the object holder of FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the side wall of FIG. 25 with an object holder installed. [Figure 28] FIG. 26 is a top view of a portion of the side wall of FIG. 25 with the object holder depicted in dashed lines in an extended position. [Figure 29] 26 is a top view of a portion of the side wall of FIG. 25 with the object holder depicted in dashed lines in a stowed position. [Diagram 30] 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the child safety seat of FIG. 1 according to another example, with the object holder in an unlocked position. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a portion of the child safety seat shown in FIG. 30 with the object holder in a fixed position. [Diagram 32] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional top view of a portion of the child safety seat shown in FIG. 30 with the object holder in an unlocked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, and the like are described below. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, and the like are contemplated. Furthermore, the disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for purposes of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0014] Additionally, spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein to facilitate describing the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptions used herein may be similarly interpreted accordingly.

[0015] 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the child safety seat 10 (also known as a child car seat) of the present disclosure includes a main seat 12 and a removable belt positioning seat 300. The main seat 12 has a backrest 100 and a seat bottom 200 attached to the backrest 100. The seat bottom 200 has a first seating surface 202 (labeled in FIG. 5) that defines a receiving space 204 (labeled in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the child safety seat 10 includes at least one seat cover (not shown) that covers the first seating surface 202. In some embodiments, the at least one seat cover covers the backrest surface 104 of the backrest 100. The removable belt positioning seat 300 (FIGS. 15-18), according to some embodiments, includes a seat body 302 (labeled in FIG. 16) and at least one belt guide 304 (labeled in FIG. 16). The seat body 302 has a second seating surface 306 (labeled in FIG. 16) and a bottom surface 308 (labeled in FIG. 17) configured to be placed on a vehicle seat. In some embodiments, the at least one belt guide 304 is configured to transition between a deployed position (FIGS. 16 and 18) in which the at least one belt guide 304 protrudes upward from the second seating surface 306 and a stored position (FIGS. 15 and 17) in which the at least one belt guide 304 is stored in at least one storage cavity 310 in the seat body 302. The seat body 302 is configured to be removably coupled to the seat bottom 200 in the receiving space 204.

[0016] 1, in some embodiments, the child safety seat 10 includes a harness 400 including a first strap 402, a second strap 404, and a crotch buckle 406. In some embodiments, the child safety seat 10 is configured such that the crotch buckle 406 is positioned above the second seating surface 306 such that it is releasably fastened to the first and second straps 402 and 404 when the belt positioning seat 300 is positioned within the receiving space 204. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the child safety seat 10 includes a reclining base 500 (FIG. 8) and a reclining lock 550 (FIG. 9). The reclining base 500 is configured to be attached to the seat bottom 200 such that the main seat 12 is configured to move relative to the reclining base 500 between an upright configuration (FIG. 2) and a reclined configuration (FIG. 3A). In some embodiments, the recline lock 550 is configured to selectively secure the main seat 12 relative to the recline base 500 in the upright and reclined configurations.

[0017] The child safety seat 10 has multiple use configurations. In some embodiments, the child safety seat 10 is a booster seat (without reclining base 500) that is used in a combination of two or more of the following configurations: (1) a forward-facing high-back configuration with a multi-point (e.g., 5-point) harness and removable belt positioning seat 300 installed, (2) a forward-facing high-back configuration with the multi-point (e.g., 5-point) harness and removable belt positioning seat 300 removed, (3) a forward-facing high-back configuration with a vehicle seat belt and removable belt positioning seat 300 installed, (4) a forward-facing high-back configuration with the vehicle seat belt and removable belt positioning seat 300 removed, (5) a backless booster seat with a vehicle seat belt and removable belt positioning seat 300 installed, or (6) a backless booster seat with the vehicle seat belt and removable belt positioning seat 300 removed. In some embodiments, the removable belt positioning seat 300 can be used additionally and separately from the main seat 12, thereby providing yet another use configuration.

[0018] In some other embodiments, the child safety seat 10 is a convertible car seat (with reclining base 500) used in a combination of two or more of the following configurations: (1) a forward-facing high-back configuration with a multi-point (e.g., 5-point) harness and removable belt positioning seat 300 installed, (2) a forward-facing high-back configuration with the multi-point (e.g., 5-point) harness and removable belt positioning seat 300 removed, (3) a forward-facing high-back configuration with a vehicle seat belt and removable belt positioning seat 300 installed, (4) a forward-facing high-back configuration with the vehicle seat belt and removable belt positioning seat 300 removed, (5) a backless booster seat with a vehicle seat belt and removable belt positioning seat 300 installed, (6) a backless booster seat with the vehicle seat belt and removable belt positioning seat 300 removed, (7) a rearward-facing reclining configuration with the removable belt positioning seat 300 installed, or (8) a rearward-facing reclining configuration with the removable belt positioning seat 300 removed. In some embodiments, the removable belt positioning seat 300 is used separately from the main seat 12, thereby providing yet another configuration of use. Thus, the main seat 12 may be used by a child in any of the eight configurations of use described above, but the removable belt positioning seat 300 may be used by another child.

[0019] Mainsheet Features of the child safety seat 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed in more detail. More specifically, referring to Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the child safety seat 10 includes a main seat 12 having a rear end 14 and a front end 16 offset from one another. The rear end 14 and the front end 16 are offset along a first direction D1. The main seat 12 is configured to face a child in a direction from the rear end 14 to the front end 16 when the child is seated in the child safety seat 10. The main seat 12 includes an upper end 18 and a lower end 20 offset from one another. The upper end 18 and the lower end 20 are offset along a second direction D2, perpendicular to the first direction D1. The main seat 12 is configured such that a child's head is closer to the upper end 18 than to the lower end 20 when the child is seated in the child safety seat 10. The main seat 12 includes a first side 22 and a second side 24 offset from one another. The first and second sides 22 and 24 are offset along a third direction D3 that is perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The main seat 12 is configured such that when a child is seated in the child safety seat 10, the child's arms are adjacent the corresponding first and second sides 22 and 24.

[0020] The main seat 12 has a backrest 100 and a seat bottom 200. The backrest 100 has a backrest body 102. The backrest body 102, and therefore the backrest 100, has a backrest surface 104 configured to support the back of a child when the child is seated in the child safety seat 10. The backrest surface 104 extends along a direction extending from the upper end 18 to the lower end 20. The backrest 100 includes a pair of side walls 110 spaced apart from each other along a direction extending from the first side 22 to the second side 24. The backrest surface 104 is between the side walls 110. The side walls 110 extend outwardly from the backrest surface 104 along a direction extending from the rear end 14 to the front end 16 so as to define a space therebetween for the upper body of the child. In some embodiments, each side wall 110 has a belt guide opening 112 configured to receive a vehicle seat belt to secure the child safety seat 10 to the vehicle seat 30 in a forward-facing, high-back configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 2. The backrest 100 includes a headrest 150. The headrest 150 is attached to or integral with the backrest body 102. In some embodiments, the headrest 150 is translatable relative to the backrest body 102 between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0021] The backrest 100 is configured to be attached to the seat bottom 200 adjacent the lower end 20. In some embodiments, the backrest 100 is fixedly attached to the seat bottom 200. In some other embodiments, the backrest 100 is configured to be removably coupled to the seat bottom 200 using a suitable backrest coupler or couplers, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the backrest 100 includes at least one of a protrusion and a recess that engages with another of the protrusions and the recess of the seat bottom 200.

[0022] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 4, the backrest 100 includes at least one support 108, such as a pair of supports 108. Each support 108 is formed as a tube, a bar, or other suitable shape. Each support 108 provides rigidity to the backrest 100. For example, each support 108 is configured to be formed from a suitable rigid material, such as a metal, having a rigidity greater than that of the backrest body 102. Each support 108 extends along and / or behind the backrest surface 104 along a direction extending from the upper end 18 to the lower end 20. Each support 108 extends from the backrest body 102 beyond the lower end 20, and thus each support 108 defines a protrusion. For example, each support 108 extends from the backrest body 102 along a direction extending from the upper end 18 to the lower end 20. In some embodiments, each support 108 additionally or alternatively extends outwardly relative to the back body 102 along a direction extending from the rear end 14 to the front end 16. Each support 108 is configured to be removably received in a recess (e.g., 224 in FIGS. 6A and 6B ) in the seat bottom 200.

[0023] 6A and 6B, in some embodiments, the seat bottom 200 includes a first seating surface 202. The first seating surface 202 at least partially defines a receiving space 204 configured to receive the belt positioning sheet 300. The receiving space 204 is configured to be sized and dimensioned to receive the belt positioning sheet 300. The seat bottom 200 includes at least one pair of side walls 210(1) and 210(2) spaced apart from each other along a third direction D3. The first seating surface 202 is between the pair of side walls 210(1) and 210(2). The side walls 210(1) and 210(2) extend upwardly from the first seating surface 202. The receiving space 204 is defined between the side walls 210(1) and 210(2).

[0024] Each sidewall 210(1) and 210(2) defines a corresponding lap belt guide 216(1) and 216(2) (referred to herein as a "forward-facing lap belt guide") configured to position a lap belt portion of a vehicle restraint when the main seat 12 is in a forward-facing (i.e., facing the front of the vehicle) backless booster configuration as in FIG. 3B. The forward-facing lap belt guides 216(1) and 216(2) are spaced apart from one another along a third direction D3. Each lap belt guide 216(1) and 216(2) is an arm that extends upwardly from the first seating surface 202. Each lap belt guide 216(1) and 216(2) defines a recess or opening 216a configured to receive a lap belt portion of a vehicle restraint, such as a seat belt. In one example, as shown, a recess or opening 216a opens at the front ends of lap belt guides 216(1) and 216(2) such that lap belt guides 216(1) and 216(2) have an inverted "L" shape. Receiving space 204 is between lap belt guides 216(1) and 216(2). First and second forward-facing belt guides 216(1) and 216(2) are configured to receive a vehicle restraint belt, such as a vehicle seat belt or a separate restraint belt, therethrough for mounting child safety seat 10 to a vehicle seat in a forward-facing configuration.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, each side wall 210(1) and 210(2) includes a corresponding armrest 218(1) and 218(2). The armrests 218(1) and 218(2) are spaced apart from each other along the third direction D3. Each armrest 218(1) and 218(2) is spaced apart from each of the lap belt guides 216(1) and 216(2) along the first direction D1. The receiving space 204 is defined between the armrests 218(1) and 218(2). In some embodiments, the child safety seat 10 includes at least one object holder, such as a pair of object holders 220(1) and 220(2). In some embodiments, at least one of the object holders 220(1) and 220(2) is a cup holder. In some embodiments, at least one of object holders 220(1) and 220(2) is an object holder other than a cup holder, such as a snack holder. Each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) is disposed forward of a corresponding one of side walls 210(1) and 210(2). Each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) is disposed forward of a corresponding one of arm rests 218(1) and 218(2) and / or a corresponding one of lap belt guides 216(1) and 216(2).

[0026] In some embodiments, the seat bottom 200 includes first and second belt guides 222(1) and 222(2) (referred to herein as "rearward facing belt guides") configured to position at least a portion of a vehicle restraint when the main seat 12 is in a rearward-facing configuration (i.e., facing the rear of the vehicle). The first rearward facing belt guide 222(1) extends through a first side of the seat bottom 200, such as the first sidewall 210(1), and the second rearward facing belt guide 222(2) extends through a second side of the seat bottom 200, such as the second sidewall 210(2). Thus, the first and second rearward facing belt guides 222(1) and 222(2) are spaced apart from one another along the third direction D3. The first and second rearward facing belt guides 222(1) and 222(2) are configured to receive a vehicle restraint belt, such as a vehicle seat belt or a separate restraint belt, therethrough to mount the child safety seat 10 to a vehicle seat in a rearward-facing configuration. The first and second rearward facing belt guides 222(1) and 222(2) are positioned closer to the front end 16 of the main seat than the rear end 14. The first and second rearward facing belt guides 222(1) and 222(2) are positioned closer to the front end 16 of the main seat than the first and second forward facing belt guides 216(1) and 216(2).

[0027] The seat bottom 200 includes a rear wall 212 that at least partially defines a receiving space 204 that receives the belt positioning sheet 300. In some embodiments, the rear wall 212 extends upward from the first seating surface 202. The first seating surface 202 defines a bottom surface of the receiving space 204. In some embodiments, the receiving space is defined by a pair of side walls 210(1) and 210(2) that are offset from one another along a direction extending from the first side 22 to the second side 24. The side walls 210(1) and 210(2) extend upward from the first seating surface 202. The seat bottom 200 is configured to receive the belt positioning sheet 300 in the receiving space 204 and to removably couple to the belt positioning sheet 300. According to some embodiments, the seat bottom 200 includes at least one coupler 206 configured to fasten the belt positioning sheet 300 to the seat bottom 200. For example, the at least one coupler includes at least two couplers 206 spaced apart from each other to define two separate fastening points between the belt positioning sheet 300 and the seat bottom 200. Each coupler 206 is on the first side wall 210(1), the second side wall 210(2), the rear wall 212, or the first seating surface 202.

[0028] Each coupler 206 is configured in a suitable manner to fasten the belt positioning sheet 300 to the seat bottom 200. Each coupler 206 includes a fastening surface configured to engage a corresponding fastening surface of the belt positioning sheet 300 to create an interference between the fastening surfaces that fastens the belt positioning sheet 300 to the seat bottom 200. The interference prevents the belt positioning sheet 300 and the seat bottom 200 from moving relative to each other along at least one direction, for example along at least one and up to all of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3. Thus, when coupled to the seat bottom 200, the belt positioning sheet 300 is positionally fixed relative to the seat bottom such that movement of the seat bottom causes a corresponding movement of the belt positioning sheet.

[0029] Each coupler 206 includes a mounting recess having an inner fastening surface configured to engage with an outer fastening surface of a mounting protrusion of the belt positioning sheet 300 to secure the belt positioning sheet 300 within the receiving space 204 of the seat bottom 200. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, each coupler 206 includes a mounting protrusion (not shown) having an outer fastening surface configured to engage with an inner fastening surface of a recess defined by the belt positioning sheet 300 to secure the belt positioning sheet 300 within the receiving space 204 of the seat bottom 200. In some embodiments (not shown), the mounting protrusion includes a pin, bar, hook, or another suitable protrusion. Each coupler 206 is a rigid coupler that is positionally fixed relative to the body of the seat bottom 200, or a movable coupler, such as a latch, that is configured to move (e.g., retract and extend) relative to the body of the seat bottom 200. In some embodiments (not shown), the at least one coupler 206 is movably mounted to the body of the seat bottom 200 and includes at least one latch configured to engage a corresponding mounting recess in the belt positioning sheet 300. The at least one latch is configured to transition between a latched position for fastening the belt positioning sheet 300 to the mainseat 12 when received within the mainseat receiving space 204, and an unlatched position for unfastening the belt positioning sheet 300 from the mainseat 12.

[0030] 6A and 6B, the rear wall 212 includes at least one coupler 206 configured to engage with a corresponding coupler of the belt positioning seat 300 to secure the belt positioning seat 300 within the receiving space 204. For example, the rear wall 212 includes a mounting recess 214(1) configured to engage with a corresponding mounting protrusion 312 of the belt positioning seat 300 to secure the belt positioning seat 300 within the receiving space 204. The mounting recess 214(1) is configured to receive the mounting protrusion 312 along a direction extending from the front end 16 to the rear end 14. When the mounting protrusion 312 is received in the mounting recess 214(1), the mounting protrusion 312 is prevented from moving out of the mounting recess 214(1) along the second direction D2.

[0031] The first sidewall 210(1) includes at least one coupler 206 configured to engage with a corresponding coupler of the belt positioning sheet 300 to secure the belt positioning sheet 300 in the receiving space 204. For example, the first sidewall 210(1) includes a mounting recess 214(2) configured to engage with a corresponding mounting protrusion 328(1) of the belt positioning sheet 300 to secure the belt positioning sheet 300 in the receiving space 204. The mounting recess 214(2) is configured to receive the mounting protrusion 328(1) along the third direction D3. When the mounting protrusion 328(1) is received in the mounting recess 214(2), the mounting protrusion 328(1) is prevented from moving out of the mounting recess 214(2) along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0032] The second sidewall 210(1) includes at least one coupler 206 configured to engage with a corresponding coupler of the belt positioning sheet 300 to secure the belt positioning sheet 300 in the receiving space 204. For example, the second sidewall 210(2) includes a mounting recess 214(3) configured to engage with a corresponding mounting protrusion 328(2) of the belt positioning sheet 300 to secure the belt positioning sheet 300 in the receiving space 204. The mounting recess 214(3) is configured to receive the mounting protrusion 328(2) along the third direction D3. When the mounting protrusion 328(2) is received in the mounting recess 214(3), the mounting protrusion 328(2) is prevented from moving out of the mounting recess 214(3) along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0033] The seat bottom 200 includes at least one backrest coupler configured to couple the seat bottom 200 to the backrest 100. In some embodiments, the at least one backrest coupler includes at least one of a protrusion and a recess that engages with another protrusion and recess of the backrest 100. In the embodiment of Figures 6A-6B, the seat bottom 200 includes at least one backrest coupling recess 224, such as a pair of backrest coupling recesses 224. The backrest coupling recesses 224 are spaced apart from one another along the third direction D3. Each backrest coupling recess 224 is configured to receive a corresponding support 108 of the backrest 100 therein.

[0034] The main seat 12 includes at least one backrest latch 226 configured to fasten the backrest 100 to the seat bottom 200 such that the backrest 100 and the seat bottom are positionally fixed relative to one another. In some embodiments, each backrest latch 226 includes a rod that extends through a hole in a corresponding one of the supports 108 along the third direction D3. Each backrest latch 226 is configured to be moved into and out of engagement with a corresponding one of the supports 108. For example, each backrest latch 226 is configured to be translated back and forth along the third direction D3 to insert a rod into and remove the rod from a hole in the corresponding support 108. In some embodiments, each backrest latch 226 has a lock 227 configured to lock the position of the latch 226. For example, each lock 227 is configured to rotate into a pocket 229 in the seat bottom 200 to lock the position of the latch 226 along the third direction D3 and out of the pocket 229, allowing the latch 226 to translate along the third direction D3. However, in other embodiments, the at least one seat back latch 226 is implemented in another suitable manner.

[0035] Referring back to FIG. 1, the child safety seat 10 includes a harness 400 for securing a child to the seat 10. The harness 400 includes a crotch strap 408. The crotch strap 408 includes a crotch buckle 406 and a webbing 410. The harness 400 includes a first strap 402 and a second strap 404 configured to selectively fasten to the crotch buckle 406. The first strap 402 includes a lap belt portion 402a configured to rest on the child's lap and / or a shoulder belt portion 402b configured to rest on the child's shoulder. The first strap 402 includes a terminal portion attached to the main seat 12 at a position below the belt positioning seat 300. For example, the first strap 402 is configured to be attached to a lower end of one of the supports 108, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Similarly, the second strap 404 includes a lap belt portion 404a configured to rest on the child's lap and / or a shoulder belt portion 404b configured to rest on the child's shoulder. The second strap 404 includes a terminal portion that is attached to the main seat 12 at a location below the belt positioning seat 300. For example, the second strap 404 is configured to be attached to a lower end of one of the supports 108, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0036] The shoulder belt portions 402a and 402b are repositionable for children of different sizes. In some embodiments, the top ends of the shoulder belt portions 402a and 402b are configured to be raised for taller children and lowered for shorter children. Thus, the shoulder belt portions 402a and 402b have an uppermost position and a lowermost position. Furthermore, the child safety seat 10 is configured to define a distance between the uppermost position and the lowermost position. The distance is configured to be greater than that of a conventional child safety seat that does not include a removable belt positioning seat. In some embodiments, the uppermost position is configured to accommodate the tallest child when the belt positioning seat 300 is installed, and the lowermost position is configured to accommodate the shortest child when the belt positioning seat 300 is removed.

[0037] Reclining base 7-14, in some embodiments, the child safety seat 10 includes a reclining base 500 attached to the main seat 12 such that the main seat 12 is configured to move between an upright position (as shown in FIG. 2) and a reclined configuration (as shown in FIG. 3A) relative to the reclining base 500. FIGS. 7-9 show the reclining base 500 according to some embodiments. FIGS. 10-12 show the reclining base 500' according to some embodiments. FIGS. 13 and 14 show the reclining base 500'' according to some embodiments. The reclining base is configured to be any suitable reclining base. In some embodiments, the child safety seat 10 further includes a lock (e.g., 550, 550', 550''') configured to selectively secure the main seat 12 relative to the base (e.g., 500, 550', 550''') in the upright and reclined configurations. The lock is configured to be any suitable lock. In some embodiments, the lock 550' is carried by the main seat 12, as shown in FIG 10. In some other embodiments, the lock 550 is carried by the recliner base 500, as shown in FIG 8.

[0038] More specifically, with reference to some embodiments of Figures 7-9, the main seat 12 has a curved bottom surface 228 and the reclining base 500 includes a curved top surface 502 to conform to the bottom surface 228 of the main seat 12. The bottom surface 228 of the main seat 12 is configured to translate along the top surface 502 of the reclining base 500 to transition the main seat 12 between an upright configuration and a reclined configuration. The main seat 12 has at least one rail 230 extending downwardly from the bottom surface 228. The reclining base 500 has at least one channel 504 configured to receive the at least one rail 230. The at least one rail 230 is configured to translate within the at least one channel 504 as the main seat 12 transitions between an upright configuration and a reclined configuration. In some embodiments, at least one rail 230 includes first and second rails 230(1) and 230(2) spaced apart from one another along the third direction D3, and the reclining base 500 includes first and second channels 504(1) and 504(2) configured to receive the corresponding first and second rails 230(1) and 230(2).

[0039] The child safety seat 10 in some embodiments of Figures 7-9 includes a lock 550 configured to selectively lock the main seat 12 relative to the reclining base 500 in an upright configuration and a reclined configuration. The lock 550 is configured to engage with at least one rail 230 to selectively lock the main seat 12 relative to the reclining base 500 in an upright configuration and a reclined configuration. In some embodiments, each of the at least one rail 230 includes a plurality of lock openings 232 spaced apart from one another along a length of the rail 230. Each lock opening 232 corresponds to a different reclining configuration of the main seat 12, including the upright configuration. In some embodiments, the lock 550 has at least one protrusion 552 configured to be selectively received within the lock opening 232 to secure the position of the main seat 12 relative to the reclining base 500.

[0040] In some embodiments, the lock 550 includes at least one latch 560 movably mounted to the recliner base 500. The lock 550 includes an actuator 554 configured to be engaged by a user to transition the at least one latch 560 between a latched position in which the at least one latch 560 engages the main seat 12 to secure the position of the main seat 12 relative to the recliner base 500, and an unlatched position in which the main seat 12 is free to recline relative to the recliner base 500. In some embodiments, the actuator 554 includes an actuation surface, such as a handle or button, configured to be engaged by a user to actuate the actuator 554. In some embodiments, the actuator 554 is configured to actuate the actuator 554 in a first selected direction D. S1 Movement of the actuator 554 along a second selected direction D S2 In some embodiments, the latch 560 is configured to move along the first selected direction D. S1 is the first direction D1 and the second selected direction D S2 is the third direction D3.

[0041] In some embodiments, the at least one movable latch 560 includes a first movable latch 560(1). The first movable latch 560(1) includes a first protrusion 552(1) of the at least one protrusion 552. The first movable latch 560(1) is configured to engage with the first rail 230(1). The first movable latch 560(1) has an inner end 560a and an outer end 560b. The first protrusion 552(1) is disposed at the outer end 560b. The inner end 560a is configured to be engaged by the actuator 554. In some embodiments, the at least one movable latch 560 includes a second movable latch 560(2). The second movable latch 560(2) includes a second protrusion 552(2) of the at least one protrusion 552. The second latch 560(2) is configured to engage with the second rail 230(2). The second movable latch 560(2) has an inner end 560a and an outer end 560b. The second protrusion 552(2) is at the outer end 560b. The inner end 560a is configured to be engaged by an actuator 554.

[0042] The actuator 554 includes an outer end 554a defining an actuation surface 556 configured to be engaged by a user. In some embodiments, the actuator 554 includes a handle or button defining the actuation surface 556. The actuation surface 556 is movable in a first selected direction D to move the at least one movable latch 560 between the latched and unlatched positions. S1 The actuator 554 includes an inner end 554b within the lock 550. The inner end 554b is configured to be movable along a first selected direction D. S1 Movement of the actuator 554 along a second selected direction D S2 The actuator 554 and one of the at least one latch 560 are configured to be coupled to the at least one movable latch 560 to cause movement of the at least one latch 560 along a first selected direction D. S1The lock 550 has at least one angled surface 554c angled relative to the first actuator 554. The angled surface 554c is configured to engage the other of the actuators 554 and the at least one latch 560 to transition the at least one latch 560 between a latched position and an unlatched position. In some embodiments, the lock 550 includes a second actuator 558. The second actuator 558 is configured in a similar manner to the first actuator 554. However, the second actuator 558 is configured to actuate in an opposite direction to the first actuator 558. Thus, one of the first actuator 554 and the second actuator 558 is configured to be engaged by a user at a front end of the reclining base 500, and the other of the first actuator 554 and the second actuator 558 is configured to be engaged by a user at a rear end of the reclining base 500.

[0043] 10-12, in some embodiments, the main seat 12 similarly has a curved bottom surface 228, and the reclining base 500' includes a curved top surface 502 to match the bottom surface 228 of the main seat 12. The bottom surface 228 of the main seat 12 is configured to translate along the top surface 502 of the reclining base 500' to transition the main seat 12 between the upright and reclined configurations. The reclining base 500' has at least one rail 506(1), 506(2) extending upwardly from the top surface 502 of the reclining base 500. The main seat 12 includes at least one channel 231(1), 231(2) configured to receive the at least one rail 506(1), 506(2). The at least one rail 506(1), 506(2) is configured to translate within the at least one channel 231(1), 231(2) as the main seat 12 transitions between an upright configuration and a reclined configuration. In some embodiments, the at least one rail 506(1), 506(2) includes first and second rails 506(1) and 506(2) spaced apart from one another along the third direction D3, and the reclining base 500' includes first and second channels 231(1) and 231(2) configured to receive the corresponding first and second rails 506(1) and 506(2).

[0044] The child safety seat 10 in some embodiments of FIGS. 10-12 includes a lock 550' configured to selectively lock the main seat 12 relative to the reclining base 500' in an upright configuration and a reclined configuration. The lock 550' is configured to engage at least one rail 506(1), 506(2) to selectively lock the main seat 12 relative to the reclining base 500' in an upright configuration and a reclined configuration. In some embodiments, each of the at least one rail 506(1), 506(2) includes a plurality of lock openings 508 spaced apart from one another along a length of the rail 506(1), 506(2). Each lock opening 508 corresponds to a different reclining configuration of the main seat 12, including the upright configuration. The lock 550' has at least one protrusion 552' configured to be selectively received within the lock opening 232 to secure the position of the main seat 12 relative to the reclining base 500.

[0045] The lock 550' includes at least one latch 560' movably attached to the main seat 12. The lock 550' includes an actuator 554' configured to be engaged by a user to transition the at least one latch 560' between a latched position in which the at least one latch 560 engages the reclining base 500' to secure the position of the main seat 12 relative to the reclining base 500' and an unlatched position in which the main seat 12 is free to recline relative to the reclining base 500'. The actuator 554' includes an actuation surface, such as a handle or button, configured to be engaged by a user to actuate the actuator 554'. In some embodiments, the actuator 554' is configured to move in a first selected direction D. S1 Movement of the actuator 554′ along a second selected direction D S2 In some embodiments, the latch 560 is configured to move along the first selected direction D. S1 is the first direction D1 and the second selected direction D S2is the third direction D3.

[0046] The at least one movable latch 560' includes a first movable latch 560'(1). The first movable latch 560' includes a first protrusion 552'(1) of the at least one protrusion 552'. The first latch 560'(1) is configured to engage with the first rail 506(1). The first movable latch 560'(1) has an inner end 560a' and an outer end 560b'. The first protrusion 552'(1) is at the outer end 560b'. The inner end 560a' is configured to be engaged by an actuator 554'. In some embodiments, the actuator 554' includes a wire or strand 555(1) operably coupled to an actuation surface 556' and the inner end 560a' of the actuator 554' such that movement of the actuator 554' causes movement of the first movable latch 560'(1). In some embodiments, the at least one movable latch 560' includes a second movable latch 560'(2). The second movable latch 560'(2) includes a second protrusion 552'(2) of the at least one protrusion 552'. The second latch 560'(2) is configured to engage with the second rail 506(2). The second movable latch 560'(2) has an inner end 560a' and an outer end 560b'. The second protrusion 552'(2) is at the outer end 560b'. The inner end 560a' is configured to be engaged by an actuator 554'. In some embodiments, the actuator 554' includes a wire or strand 555(1) operably coupled to the actuation surface 556' and the inner end 560a' such that movement of the actuator 554' causes movement of the first movable latch 560'(1).

[0047] The actuator 554' includes an outer end 554a' that defines an actuation surface 556' configured to be engaged by a user. The actuator 554' includes a handle or button that defines the actuation surface 556'. The actuation surface 556' is movable in a first selected direction D to move the at least one movable latch 560' between a latched position and an unlatched position. S1The actuator 554' includes an inner end 554b' disposed within the main seat 12. The inner end 554b' is configured to be movable along a first selected direction D. S1 Movement of the actuator 554′ along a second selected direction D S2 10 and 11. The latch 560' is configured to be coupled to the at least one movable latch 560' to cause movement of the at least one latch 560' along the

[0048] 13 and 14, in some embodiments, the reclining base 500'' includes at least one foot 510, 512 rotatably or translatably coupled to the main seat 12 such that the at least one foot 510, 512 moves relative to the main seat 12 to transition the main seat 12 between a reclined configuration and an upright configuration. The at least one foot 510, 512 includes a first foot 510 having a front end 510a and a rear end 510b. The at least one foot 510 is configured to be coupled to the main seat 12 at or between the front end 510a and the rear end 510b. The front end 510a has a support surface 510c configured to abut the vehicle seat. The front end 510a is configured such that the support surface 510c is movable away from the main seat 12 to transition the main seat 12 to a more reclined configuration and is movable toward the main seat 12 to transition the main seat 12 to a more upright configuration. In some embodiments, the reclining base 500'' includes a first foot 510 and / or a second foot 512 having a first end 512a pivotally coupled to the main seat 12 and a second end 512b configured to rotate relative to the main seat 12. An example of a reclining base 500'' is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0223332, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in its entirety.

[0049] Belt positioning sheet 15-18, a removable belt positioning sheet 300 according to some embodiments is shown. The belt positioning sheet 300 includes a seat body 302. The seat body 302 includes a second seating surface 306 and a bottom surface 308 that face each other. In some embodiments, the second seating surface 306 and the bottom surface 308 face each other along a second direction D2. The seat body 302 includes a rear end 314 and a front end 316 that are offset from each other. In some embodiments, the rear end 314 and the front end 316 are offset along a first direction D1. The belt positioning sheet 300 is configured to face a child in a direction from the rear end 314 to the front end 316 when the child is seated on the belt positioning sheet 300. The belt positioning sheet 300 includes a first side 322 and a second side 324 that are offset from each other. In some embodiments, the first and second sides 322 and 324 are offset along a third direction D3. The belt positioning seat 300 has a substantially plate-like shape. In some embodiments, in contrast to the main seat 12, the belt positioning seat 300 is configured to lack a backrest, armrests, and / or cup holders.

[0050] The belt positioning seat 300 includes at least one belt guide 304, such as a pair of belt guides 304. The at least one belt guide 304 includes a first belt guide 304(1). The first belt guide 304(1) is configured to be movably coupled to a first side 322 of the seat body 302 such that the first belt guide 304(1) is configured to transition between a deployed position (FIG. 16) in which the first belt guide 304(1) protrudes upward from the second seating surface 306 and a stored position (FIG. 17) in which the first belt guide 304(1) is stored in at least one storage cavity 310 defined in the seat body 302. In some embodiments, the first belt guide 304(1) is oriented along an axis A that extends along a first direction D1. PThe belt positioning seat 300 includes a hinge 305 that couples the first belt guide 304(1) to the seat main body 302. In some other embodiments, the first belt guide 304(1) is configured to transition between the deployed and stowed positions without rotation or by rotating and moving in another manner (e.g., translationally).

[0051] The first belt guide 304(1) is a rigid body that extends upward from the seat body 302 when in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the first belt guide 304(1) is attached to the seat body 302 along a middle portion of the seat body 302 between the front end 316 and the rear end 314 such that the first belt guide 304(1) is spaced apart from the front end 316 and the rear end 314. In some embodiments, the rigid body can have a plate-like shape. The first belt guide 304(1) has a first belt hole 318(1) configured to receive a restraining belt, such as a lap belt of a vehicle seat belt. The first belt hole 318(1) is spaced apart above the second seating surface 306 to position a retraining belt on the child's lap when the first belt guide 304(1) is in the deployed position. The first belt hole 318(1) extends through the first belt guide 304(1).

[0052] In some embodiments, the first belt guide 304(1) has an inner side facing the child when in the deployed position and an outer side opposite the inner side. A first belt hole 318(1) extends through the inner side and the outer side. In some embodiments, the first belt guide 304(1) has a first opening 320(1) at a front end of the first belt guide 304(1) that is open to the first belt hole 318(1). The first belt hole 318(1) is closed at a rear end of the first belt guide 304(1). In some embodiments, the restraining belt is received through the first opening 320(1) and into the first belt hole 318(1) along a direction extending from the front end 316 to the rear end 314 of the belt positioning sheet 300. The first opening 320(1) has dimensions, such as a height, that are less than the dimensions of the first belt hole 318(1) to provide an interference that limits inadvertent removal of the restraint belt from the first belt hole 318(1).

[0053] The at least one belt guide 304 includes a second belt guide 304(2). The second belt guide 304(2) is offset from the first belt guide 304(1) along the third direction D3. The second belt guide 304(2) is configured to be movably coupled to the second side 324 of the seat body 302 such that the second belt guide 304(2) is configured to transition between a deployed position (FIG. 16) in which the second belt guide 304(2) protrudes upward from the second seating surface 306 and a stored position (FIG. 17) in which the second belt guide 304(2) is stored in at least one storage cavity 310 of the seat body 302. In some embodiments, the second belt guide 304(2) is aligned along an axis A that extends along the first direction D1. P The belt positioning seat 300 includes a hinge 305 that couples the second belt guide 304(2) to the seat main body 302. In some other embodiments, the second belt guide 304(2) is configured to transition between the deployed and stowed positions without rotation or by rotating and moving in another manner (e.g., translationally).

[0054] The second belt guide 304(2) is a rigid body that extends upward from the seat body 302 when in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the second belt guide 304(2) is configured to be attached to the seat body 302 along a middle portion of the seat body 302 between the front end 316 and the rear end 314 such that the second belt guide 304(2) is spaced apart from the front end 316 and the rear end 314. In some embodiments, the rigid body has a plate-like shape. The second belt guide 304(2) has a second belt hole 318(2) configured to receive a restraining belt, such as a lap belt of a vehicle seat belt. The second belt hole 318(2) is spaced apart above the second seating surface 306 to position the retraining belt on the child's lap when the second belt guide 304(2) is in the deployed position. The second belt hole 318(2) extends through the second belt guide 304(2).

[0055] In some embodiments, the second belt guide 304(2) has an inner side configured to face the child when in the deployed position and an outer side opposite the inner side. A second belt hole 318(2) extends through the inner side and the outer side. In some embodiments, the second belt guide 304(2) has a second opening 320(2) at a front end of the second belt guide 304(2) that opens into the second belt hole 318(2). The second belt hole 318(2) is closed at a rear end of the second belt guide 304(2). In some embodiments, the restraining belt is received through the second opening 320(2) and into the second belt hole 318(2) along a direction extending from the front end 316 to the rear end 314 of the belt positioning sheet 300. The second opening 320(2) has a dimension, such as a height, that is less than the dimension of the second belt hole 318(2) to provide an interference that limits inadvertent removal of the restraint belt from the second belt hole 318(2).

[0056] The seat body 302 has at least one storage cavity 310 therein, such as a pair of storage cavities. The at least one storage cavity 310 includes a first storage cavity 310(1). The first storage cavity 310(1) is configured to receive and store the first belt guide 304(1) therein. The first storage cavity 310(1) extends to the bottom surface 308 of the seat body 302, although embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. For example, in other embodiments, the first storage cavity 310(1) extends to the first side surface 322 and is closed at the bottom surface 308. The first belt guide 304(1) is then configured to translate and rotate to protrude upward from the storage cavity 310.

[0057] The at least one storage cavity 310 includes a second storage cavity 310(2). The second storage cavity 310(2) is spaced apart from the first storage cavity 310(1) along the third direction D3. The second storage cavity 310(2) is configured to receive the second belt guide 304(2) and store the second belt guide 304(2) therein. The second storage cavity 310(2) extends to the bottom surface 308 of the seat body 302, although embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the second storage cavity 310(2) extends to the second side surface 322 and is closed at the bottom surface 308. The second belt guide 304(2) is then configured to translate out of the storage cavity 310 and rotate to protrude upward. In an alternative embodiment, the seat body 302 has a single storage cavity that stores both the first belt guide 304(1) and the second belt guide 304(2).

[0058] The seat body 302 is configured to be removably coupled to the seat bottom 200 of the main seat 12 in the receiving space 204 of the seat bottom 200. In some embodiments, the belt positioning sheet includes at least two couplers 326 configured to fasten the belt positioning sheet 300 to the seat bottom 200. The at least two couplers 326 are spaced apart from each other to define two separate fastening points between the belt positioning sheet 300 and the seat bottom 200. Each coupler 326 is disposed on the first side 322, the second side 324, the rear end 314, or the bottom surface 308.

[0059] Each coupler 326 is configured in any suitable manner to fasten the belt positioning sheet 300 to the seat bottom 200. Each coupler 326 includes a fastening surface configured to engage with a corresponding fastening surface of the seat bottom 200 to create an interference between the fastening surfaces fastening the belt positioning sheet 300 to the seat bottom 200. The interference prevents the belt positioning sheet 300 and the seat bottom 200 from moving relative to each other along at least one direction, for example along at least one and up to all of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3. Each coupler 326 includes a mounting protrusion having an outer fastening surface configured to engage with an inner fastening surface of a recess in the seat bottom 200 to fasten the belt positioning sheet 300 in the receiving space 204 of the seat bottom 200. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, each coupler 326 includes a mounting recess having an inner fastening surface configured to engage with an outer fastening surface of a mounting protrusion of the seat bottom 200 to secure the belt positioning sheet 300 within the receiving space 204 of the seat bottom 200. In some embodiments, the mounting protrusion is a pin, a bar, a hook, or any other suitable protrusion. Each coupler 326 is a rigid coupler that is positionally fixed relative to the seat body 302 of the belt positioning sheet 300, or a movable coupler, such as a latch, that is configured to move (e.g., retract and extend) relative to the seat body 302.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least one of the couplers 326 includes a rigid protrusion 312 that is rigidly attached to the first side 322, the second side 324, the rear end 314, or the bottom surface 308 of the seat body 302 and configured to engage with a corresponding attachment recess 214(1) (FIGS. 6A and 6B) defined in the seat bottom 200. The protrusion 312 is integral with the seat body 302, monolithic, or otherwise rigidly attached thereto. In some embodiments, the rigid protrusion 312 is in the shape of a handle. In some embodiments, the handle defines a "u" shape. In some embodiments, the protrusion 312 extends from the rear end 314 of the belt positioning seat 300. In some other embodiments, the protrusion 312 extends from one of the first or second side surfaces 322 or 324.

[0061] In some embodiments, the at least one coupler 326 is movably attached to the seat body 302 and includes at least one latch 328(1) or 328(2) configured to engage with a corresponding attachment recess (e.g., 214(2), 214(3) in FIGS. 6A and 6B ) in the seat bottom 200. The at least one latch 328(1) or 328(2) is configured to transition between a latched position ( FIG. 15 ) for fastening the belt positioning seat 300 to the main seat 12 when received in the receiving space 204 of the main seat 12, and an unlatched position ( FIG. 16 ) for unfastening the belt positioning seat 300 from the main seat 12. The at least one latch 328(1) or 328(2) is configured in some embodiments to extend further from the seat body 302 in the latched position than in the retracted position. In some embodiments, at least one latch 328(1) or 328(2) extends from at least one of the first side 322, the second side 324, the rear end 314, the front end 316, or the bottom surface 308 of the seat body 302. In some embodiments, the at least one latch 328(1) or 328(2) includes multiple latches 328(1), 328(2).

[0062] According to some embodiments, the belt positioning sheet 300 includes an actuator 330 configured to be engaged by a user to transition the at least one latch 328(1) or 328(2) between a latched position and an unlatched position. The actuator 330 includes an actuation surface, such as a handle or button, configured to be engaged by a user to actuate the actuator 330. The at least one latch 328(1) or 328(2) and the actuator 330 are configured to be implemented in any suitable manner. In some other embodiments, the actuator and latch are carried by the seat bottom 200 rather than the belt positioning sheet 300.

[0063] More specifically, referring to Figures 15, 19, and 20, at least two couplers 326 and actuators 330 are shown according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the at least two couplers 326 include a protrusion 312 extending from a rear end 314 of the seat body 302. The protrusion 312 is a rigid coupler that is positionally fixed relative to the seat body 302 of the belt positioning sheet 300. The protrusion 312 defines a handle. In some embodiments, the handle has an opening for receiving a user's finger therethrough when carrying the belt positioning sheet 300. In some embodiments, the handle can have a "u" shape. In some other embodiments, the protrusion 312 need not define a handle and has other shapes (e.g., an "L" shape or a "T" shape). The protrusion 312 is configured to be received in a mounting recess 214(1) in the rear wall 212 of the seat bottom 200 (see Figures 6A and 6B). The protrusion 312 has a fixed surface, such as the outer surface of a handle, that engages the inner surface of the recess 214(1) along the second direction D2 and prevents the protrusion 312 from moving relative to the seat bottom 200 along the second direction D2.

[0064] At least two couplers 326 include at least one movable latch, such as a first movable latch 328(1). The first movable latch 328(1) is configured to be movable in a first selected direction D S1Movement of the actuator 330 along a second selected direction D S2 In this example, the latch 328(1) has an inner end 328a coupled to an actuator 330 to cause movement of the first latch 328(1) along a first selected direction D. S1 is aligned with the first direction D1 and aligned with the second selected direction D S2 is aligned with the third direction D3, although alternative examples of the present disclosure are not so limited. The inner end 328a is configured to be inside the seat body 302. The first movable latch 328(1) has an outer end 328b configured to extend outward from the first side 322 of the seat body 302 through an opening in the seat body 302. The outer end 328b defines a protrusion that extends outward from the first side 322. The protrusion extends further outward from the seat body 302 in the latched position than in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the protrusion is configured to be fully retracted into the seat body 302 in the retracted position such that no part of the protrusion extends outside the seat body 302. The first latch 328(1) is configured to engage with the recess 214(2) in the seat bottom 200 to prevent the belt positioning sheet 300 from moving relative to the seat bottom 200 along at least one, and up to all, of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3.

[0065] In some embodiments, the at least one movable latch includes a second movable latch 328(2). The second movable latch 328(2) is movable in a first selected direction D S1 Movement of the actuator 330 along a second selected direction D S2The second movable latch 328(2) has an inner end 328a coupled to the actuator 330 to cause movement of the second latch 328(2) along the inner end 328a. The inner end 328a is configured to be disposed inside the seat body 302. The second movable latch 328(2) has an outer end 328b configured to extend outward from the second side 324 of the seat body 302 through an opening in the seat body 302. The outer end 328b defines a protrusion that extends outward from the second side 322. The protrusion extends further outward from the seat body 302 in the latched position than in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the protrusion is configured to be fully retracted into the seat body 302 in the retracted position such that no portion of the protrusion extends outside the seat body 302. The first latch 328(1) is configured to engage with the recess 214(2) in the seat bottom 200 to prevent the belt positioning sheet 300 from moving relative to the seat bottom 200 along at least one, and up to all, of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3.

[0066] The actuator 330 includes an outer end 330a that defines an actuation surface 334 configured to be engaged by a user. The actuator 330 includes a handle 332 that defines the actuation surface 334. The actuation surface 334, and thus the handle 332, are configured to be exposed outwardly of the seat body 302 such that the actuation surface 334 is configured to be engaged by a user. In some embodiments, the actuation surface 334 is configured to be disposed at the front end 316 of the belt positioning seat 300 and is configured to be exposed along the second seating surface 306. The actuation surface 334 is configured to be moved in a first selected direction D to move the at least one movable latch 328(1), 328(2) between a latched position and an unlatched position. S1 The actuator 330 includes an inner end 330b disposed within the seat body 302. The inner end 330b is movable along a first selected direction D. S1 Movement of the actuator 330 along a second selected direction D S2328(1), 328(2)。 Moveable latch 328 (1), 328 (2) is configured to be coupled to at least one movable latch 328 (1), 328 (2) to cause movement of the at least one latch 328 (1), 328 (2) along the

[0067] In some embodiments, the actuator 330 is configured to move in a first selected direction D S1 The movement of the actuator 330 along the second selected direction D S2 The actuator 330 is configured to be movably coupled to the at least one latch 328 using a suitable mechanism that translates movement of the at least one latch 328(1), 328(2) along the first selected direction D. In some embodiments, the inner end 330b of the actuator 330 has one of a protrusion or a ramp, and the at least one latch 328(1), 328(2) has another of the protrusion or ramp. The ramp is configured to be movably coupled to the at least one latch 328 using a suitable mechanism that translates movement of the at least one latch 328(1), 328(2) along the first selected direction D. S1 In some embodiments, the ramped surface extends inward as the ramped surface extends along a direction extending from the outer end 330a of the actuator 330 to the inner end 330b of the actuator 330. Movement of the actuator 330 guides the protrusion along the ramped surface to move the at least one latch 328(1), 328(2) in the second selected direction D. S2 The device is configured to move the device along the axis.

[0068] 19 and 20 illustrate some embodiments in which the inner end 330b of the actuator 330 includes a protrusion 330c for each of the at least one latch 328(1), 328(2), and each of the at least one latch 328(1), 328(2) includes an inclined surface 328c. In particular, the inner end 330b of the actuator 330 is oriented in the second selected direction D. S2 The first latch 328(1) includes a first and second protrusion 330c that are offset from one another along a first selected direction D. The inner end 328a of the first latch 328(1) has an inclined surface 328c that receives a first one of the protrusions 330c, and the inner end 328a of the second latch 328(2) has an inclined surface 328c that receives a second one of the protrusions 330c. S1, moves the first latch 328(1) and the second latch 328(2) in a second selected direction D between the latched and unlatched positions. S2 In some embodiments, the belt positioning sheet 300 includes at least one spring (not shown) configured to bias the at least one latch 328(1), 328(2) toward the latched position.

[0069] 1, 15, and 16, in some embodiments, the seat body 302 of the belt positioning sheet 300 is configured to join with the harness 400. For example, the seat body 302 of the belt positioning sheet 300 is configured to be removably coupled to the seat bottom 200 of the main seat 12 in the receiving space 204, so that when the seat body 302 is positioned in the receiving space 204, the crotch buckle 406 is positioned above the second seating surface 306 and removably fastened to the first and second straps 402 and 404 of the harness 400. The belt positioning sheet 300 includes at least one crotch strap opening 336 extending to the second seating surface 306 and configured to couple the crotch buckle 406 to the belt positioning sheet 300. The crotch strap opening 336 extends completely through the seat body 302.

[0070] The webbing 410 of the crotch strap 408 extends through the crotch strap opening 336 such that the belt positioning sheet 300 is positioned between the seat bottom 200 and the crotch buckle 406. In some embodiments, the webbing 410 is attached to the seat bottom 200 and the crotch strap opening 336 is sized to receive the crotch buckle 406 therethrough when the belt positioning sheet 300 is received in the receiving space 204 of the seat bottom 200. In these embodiments, the child safety seat 10 is configured such that the crotch buckle 406 remains attached to the seat bottom 200 when the belt positioning sheet 300 is removed from the main seat 12. Thus, the inner end of the webbing 410 is configured to be restrained by the seat bottom 200 against removal from the seat bottom 200. In some other embodiments, the webbing 410 is attached to the belt positioning sheet 300 instead of the seat bottom 200, so that when the belt positioning sheet 300 is removed from the child safety seat 10, the crotch buckle 406 is removed from the main seat 12 along with the belt positioning set 300. Thus, the inner end of the webbing 410 is configured to be restrained by the belt positioning sheet 300 against removal from the belt positioning sheet 300. In some embodiments, the belt positioning sheet 300 is configured such that when the at least one belt guide 304 is stored in the stored position, the at least one belt guide 304 does not obstruct the crotch strap opening 336 to prevent insertion or removal of the crotch buckle 406 therethrough.

[0071] The belt positioning sheet 300 includes at least one lap belt opening configured to receive at least one of the first strap 402 and the second strap 404 of the harness 400. In some embodiments, the belt positioning sheet 300 includes a first lap belt opening 338(1) configured to receive a portion of the first strap 402 therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the belt positioning sheet 300 includes a second lap belt opening 338(2) configured to receive a portion of the second strap 402 therethrough. In some embodiments, each lap belt opening is configured to open at a rear end 314 or at one of the sides 322 and 324 of the belt positioning sheet 300 to facilitate placement of a respective one of the first and second straps 402 and 404 in the lap belt opening and removal of a respective one of the first and second straps 402 and 404 from the lap belt opening.

[0072] 21 and 22, a belt positioning sheet 300' is shown, according to some embodiments. The belt positioning sheet 300' is similar to the belt positioning sheet 300 of FIGS. 15-18, with some notable exceptions. Features of the belt positioning sheet 300' that are different from the features of the belt positioning sheet 300' are described. All other features of the belt positioning sheet 300' can be understood with reference to the description of those features above with respect to the belt positioning sheet 300. In some embodiments, the belt positioning sheet 300' is configured to lack first and second lap belt openings 338(1) and 338(2). Instead, the belt positioning sheet 300' is configured such that the first and second straps 402 and 404 run up the first and second sides 322 and 324 of the belt positioning sheet 300' between the belt positioning sheet 300' and the side walls 210(1) and 210(2) of the main sheet 12. In some embodiments, the first and second straps 402 and 404 are configured to be routed through a lap belt opening, as further described below in connection with FIGS. 23 and 24.

[0073] The belt positioning seat 300' includes a rotatable actuator 330' rather than the translatable actuator of the belt positioning seat 300. Similar to the belt positioning seat 300, the belt positioning seat 300' includes at least one movable latch, such as a first movable latch 328(1) and, optionally, a second movable latch 328(2). Each movable latch 328(1), 328(2) is rotatable about an axis of rotation A of the actuator 330'. L Rotation around the latches 328(1) and 328(2) selects the direction D S In this embodiment, the actuator 330′ has an inner end 328a coupled to an actuator 330′ to move the actuator 330′ along a selected direction D. S is aligned with a third direction D3 and has a rotation axis A L is the selection direction D Saligns with the seat body 302. However, alternative embodiments are not so limited. The inner end 328a is configured to be disposed inside the seat body 302. Each movable latch 328(1), 328(2) has an outer end 328b configured to extend outwardly from the first side 322 of the seat body 302 through an opening in the seat body 302. The outer end 328b includes a protrusion extending from the first side 322. The protrusion extends further outwardly from the seat body 302 in the latched position than in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the protrusion is configured to be fully retracted into the seat body 302 in the retracted position such that no portion of the protrusion extends outside the seat body 302. Each latch 328(1), 328(2) is configured to engage with a recess 214(2), 214(3) in the seat bottom 200 to prevent the belt positioning sheet 300 from moving relative to the seat bottom 200 along at least one, and up to all, of a first direction D1, a second direction D2, and a third direction D3.

[0074] The actuator 330' includes an outer end 330a' that defines an actuation surface 334 configured to be engaged by a user. The actuation surface 334 is configured to be exposed outwardly of the seat body 302 such that the actuation surface 334 is configured to be engaged by a user. In some embodiments, the actuation surface 334 is disposed at the front end 316 of the belt positioning seat 300 and exposed along the second seating surface 306. The actuation surface 334 is rotated about a rotation axis A to move the at least one movable latch 328(1), 328(2) between a latched position and an unlatched position. L The actuator 330' includes an inner end 330b' disposed within the seat body 302. The inner end 330b' is configured such that rotation of the actuator 330' moves in a selected direction D. S 328(1), 328(2)。 Moveable latch 328 (1), 328 (2) is configured to be coupled to at least one movable latch 328 (1), 328 (2) to cause movement of the at least one latch 328 (1), 328 (2) along the

[0075] An inner end 330b' of the actuator 330' has a protrusion 330c' for each of the at least one latch 328(1), 328(2), and each of the at least one latch 328(1), 328(2) includes an inclined surface 328c. In some embodiments, the inner end 330b' of the actuator 330' is oriented in a selected direction D. S An inner end 328a of first latch 328(1) has an angled surface 328c that receives a first one of the projections 330c', and an inner end 328a of second latch 328(2) has an angled surface 328c that receives a second one of the projections 330c'. Rotational movement of actuator 330' moves first and second latches 328(1) and 328(2) in a selected direction D between the latched and unlatched positions. S In at least some embodiments, belt positioning sheet 300 includes at least one biasing member (not shown), such as a spring or resilient material, configured to bias at least one latch 328(1), 328(2) toward the latched position.

[0076] 23 and 24, there is shown a belt positioning sheet 300'', according to some embodiments. The belt positioning sheet 300'' is similar to the belt positioning sheet 300 of FIGS. 15-18, with some notable exceptions. Features of the belt positioning sheet 300'' that differ from the features of the belt positioning sheet 300 will now be described. All other features of the belt positioning sheet 300'' can be understood with reference to the description of those features above with respect to the belt positioning sheet 300.

[0077] Similar to belt positioning sheet 300, belt positioning sheet 300'' includes a first lap belt opening 338(1) configured to receive a portion of a first strap 402 therethrough and / or a second lap belt opening 338(2) configured to receive a portion of a second strap 402 therethrough. However, rather than extending to the rear end 314 of belt positioning sheet 300'', the first lap belt opening 338(1) extends to a first side 322 of belt positioning sheet 300'' and the second lap belt opening 338(2) extends to a second side 324 of belt positioning sheet 300''. In some embodiments, as shown, the first lap belt opening 338(1) extends to the first belt guide 304(1), such as to a bottom end or hinge 305 of the first belt guide 304(1). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the first lap belt opening 338(1) extends into the seat body 302 at the first side 322. Similarly, the second lap belt opening 338(2) extends into the second belt guide 304(2), such as to the bottom end or hinge 305 of the second belt guide 304(2). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the second lap belt opening 338(2) extends into the seat body 302 at the second side 324.

[0078] Object Holder Conventional booster and convertible child seats often include one or more object holders, such as one or more cup holders. Each object holder often extends beyond the periphery of the seat. For example, each object holder typically projects outward from the side of the seat and / or the front of the seat. Thus, the box or other packaging that contains the seat during shipping defines a package large enough to contain the object holder. To limit the size of the package, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, various child seats are configured such that the object holder is configured to transition between a stowed position in which the object holder does not extend beyond the periphery of the seat and a use position in which the object holder is positioned for use by a child seated in the child seat. The object holder is configured to be implemented in any child safety seat, including any of the child safety seats described herein and any child safety seats not described herein.

[0079] As described above in connection with Figures 6A and 6B, in some embodiments, child safety seat 10 includes at least one object holder, such as a pair of object holders 220(1) and 220(2). In some embodiments, at least one of object holders 220(1) and 220(2) is a cup holder. In some embodiments, at least one of object holders 220(1) and 220(2) is an object holder other than a cup holder, such as a snack holder. Each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) is configured to be disposed in front of a corresponding one of side walls 210(1) and 210(2). 25-29, in some embodiments, at least one object holder 220(1), 220(2) is configured to be coupled to the seat bottom 200 such that the at least one object holder 220(1), 220(2) is rotatable relative to the seat bottom 200 between an extended position (e.g., FIG. 28) and a stowed position (e.g., FIG. 29), and the at least one object holder 220(1), 220(2) extends further out from the seat bottom 200 along the third direction D3 when the object holder 220(1), 220(2) is in the extended position than when the object holder 220(1), 220(2) is in the stowed position. In some embodiments, at least one object holder 220(1), 220(2) is configured to extend outwardly from a corresponding one of side walls 210(1), 210(2) along a third direction D3 when in the extended position and to be retracted relative to side walls 210(1), 210(2) along the third direction D3 when in the retracted position.

[0080] Each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) has an upper end 220a and a lower end 220b spaced apart from one another along a second direction D2. The lower end 220b is configured to be closed, and the upper end 220a is configured to be open to receive an object therein. Each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) has a recess 220d extending to the upper end 220a and terminating at the lower end 220b. Each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) has at least one sidewall 220c extending between the upper end 220a and the lower end 220b to define a closed shape around the recess 220d. Each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) has a closed shape when in the extended position and the retracted position, respectively. The entirety of each object holder is configured to rotate between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0081] The child safety seat 1 has a pivot axis A between the extended position and the stowed position of the object holder. O The seat bottom 200 may include a coupler for each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) that rotatably couples the object holder to the seat bottom 200 so as to rotate relative to the seat bottom 200 at a coupler position. In some embodiments, each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) includes at least one of a protrusion 220e and an opening configured to engage with another of the protrusions and openings 210a of the seat bottom 200 so as to rotatably couple the object holder to the seat bottom 200. The other of the protrusions and openings 210a is configured to be mounted to a front end of the seat bottom 200, such as a front end of a corresponding one of the side walls 210(1) and 210(2). In some embodiments, as shown, each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) includes a protrusion 220e shaped as a shaft 220e received in a corresponding one of the openings 210a of the side walls 210(1) and 210(2). In some other embodiments (not shown), each object holder 220(1) and 220(2) includes an opening that receives a shaft of a corresponding one of side walls 210(1) and 210(2). Object holders 220(1) and 220(2) are aligned along pivot axis A.O , which may be defined by a protrusion and / or an opening. In some embodiments, the pivot axis A O extends upwardly along the second direction D2 or at an angle to the second direction D2.

[0082] The child safety seat 1 includes a fastener 220f for each object holder 220(1), 220(2) configured to secure the object holder 220(1), 220(2) to the seat bottom 200 such that removal of the object holder 220(1), 220(2) is limited along at least one, e.g., all, of the first, second, and third directions D1, D2, and D3. Each fastener 220f is rotatable about a pivot axis A. O In some embodiments, each fastener 220f has a spring finger. Each spring finger is configured to be pivotally coupled to the object holder 220(1), 220(2) or the seat bottom 200 and configured to engage another of the object holders 220(1), 220(2) or the seat bottom 200 to limit removal of the object holder 220(1), 220(2) from the seat bottom 200. However, each fastener 220f is configured to be implemented as any other suitable fastener.

[0083] The child safety seat 1 includes a guide 234 for each object holder 220(1), 220(2) configured to guide movement of the object holder 220(1), 220(2) between the extended position and the stowed position. Each guide 234 is configured to be included by the object holder 220(1), 220(2) or the seat bottom 200. The other of the object holder 220(1), 220(2) and the seat bottom 200 is configured to include a follower 236 configured to ride along the guide 234. FIGS. 25-28 show an embodiment in which each guide 234 is included in the seat bottom 200 at a position below the corresponding object holder 220(1), 220(2), and each object holder 220(1), 220(2) includes a follower 236 configured to ride along the guide 234. In this embodiment, each guide 234 includes an internal track, such as a slot, and each follower 236 includes a protrusion that is received in and rides along the internal track. The protrusion of the follower 236 includes a pair of opposed spring fingers. In some other embodiments, each guide includes an external track, such as a T-track, and the follower includes a recess that receives the external track. Still, in some other embodiments, each guide is configured to be implemented by an object holder and each follower is configured to be implemented by the seat bottom 200.

[0084] In some embodiments, each guide 234 is configured to selectively lock one of object holders 220(1), 220(2) in an extended position and a retracted position. Guide 234 has a first enlarged portion 234a corresponding to the extended position, a second enlarged portion 234b corresponding to the retracted position, and an intermediate portion 234c between first enlarged portion 234a and second enlarged portion 234b. First and second enlarged portions 234a and 234b are oriented in a direction D. G , and the intermediate portions 234c are spaced apart from each other along the direction D G , including the width along the direction perpendicular to GThe width of the first and second enlarged portions 234a and 234b along the extended position is less than the width of the first and second enlarged portions 234a and 234b along the extended position. The follower 236 is configured to snap onto the first and second enlarged portions 234a and 234b when moved to the extended and retracted positions, respectively. Although not shown, in some embodiments, each guide 234 has at least one intermediate position between the extended and retracted positions. For example, each guide 234 has at least one enlarged portion between the first and second enlarged portions 234a and 234b that corresponds to the at least one intermediate position.

[0085] Each object holder 220(1), 220(2) is configured to be positioned in an extended position when used by a child. When in the extended position, the child may have more leg room because the object holders 220(1), 220(2) protrude further into the seat area when in the stowed position than when the object holders 220(1), 220(2) are in the extended position. Each object holder 220(1), 220(2) is configured to be positioned in a stowed position to reduce the outer width of the child safety seat 1 along the third direction D3. This configuration is beneficial to limit the size of packaging, such as the size of a box, required to store the child safety seat 1 for shipping. This configuration is also beneficial when more space is desired to position one or more child safety seats next to the child safety seat 1 in a seat row of the vehicle.

[0086] 30-32, in some embodiments, each object holder 220(1), 220(2) is configured to be attached to the seat bottom 200 using a tether 238. Each object holder 220(1), 220(2) is configured to be transitioned between an unanchored position (e.g., FIGS. 30 and 32) and a use position (e.g., FIG. 31). In the unanchored position, the object holder 220(1), 220(2) is movable relative to the seat bottom 200, and the movement of the object holder 220(1), 220(2) is constrained by the tether 238. In the use position, the object holder 220(1), 220(2) is positioned for use by a child seated in the child safety seat 1. In some embodiments, in the use position, the object holders 220(1), 220(2) are configured to be positionally fixed relative to the seat bottom 200 such that movement of the seat bottom 200 causes corresponding movement of the object holders 220(1), 220(2). In some embodiments, each object holder 220(1), 220(2) is configured to be positionally fixed to a corresponding sidewall 210(1), 210(2).

[0087] Each tether 238 is a wire, string, plastic strip, or any other suitable tether. Each tether 238 has a first end 238a attached to the seat bottom 200, such as to one of the side walls 210(1), 210(2). Each tether 238 has a second end 238b attached to a corresponding object holder 220(1), 220(2). Each first end 238a is configured to be attached to one of the side walls 210(1), 210(2), such as to the front end of one of the side walls 210(1), 210(2). Each tether 238 is configured to be attached to the seat bottom 200 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the first end 238a of each tether 238 is configured to be received in or otherwise attached to an opening 210a of one of the side walls 210(1), 210(2). The first end 238a of each tether 238 includes teeth 238c configured to be received in an opening 210a in the seat bottom 200 and configured to create interference with the inner surface of the seat bottom 200 to prevent the teeth 238c from being removed from the opening 210a. The teeth 238c are disposed closer to the first end 238a than the second end 238b.

[0088] The child safety seat 1 includes a fastener configured to secure the object holders 220(1), 220(2) to the seat bottom 200 in the use position. The fastener can be any suitable fastener. FIGS. 30-32 show some embodiments in which the fastener is a locking tooth 238d disposed at a second end 238b adjacent to the corresponding object holder 220(1), 220(2). The locking tooth 238d is configured to be received in an opening 210a of the seat bottom 200 and configured to create an interference with the inner surface of the seat bottom 200 to prevent the locking tooth 238d from being removed from the opening 210a. To transition the object holders 220(1), 220(2) to the use position, the corresponding tether 238 is received in the opening 210a of the seat bottom 200 until the locking tooth 238d is received in the opening 210a. The walls of the seat bottom 200 are then trapped between the locking teeth 238d and the object holders 220(1), 220(2). The distance between the locking teeth 238d and the object holders 220(1), 220(2) is configured to be substantially equal to the thickness of the walls of the seat bottom 200 that define the opening 210a.

[0089] Although various embodiments of the described child safety seat include a removable belt positioning seat 300 and at least one object holder 220(1), 220(2), embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to including both a removable belt positioning seat 300 and at least one object holder 220(1), 220(2). In some embodiments, the child safety seat includes a removable belt positioning seat 300 as described herein, but does not include at least one object holder 220(1), 220(2). In some other embodiments, the child safety seat includes at least one object holder 220(1), 220(2), but does not include a removable belt positioning seat 300.

[0090] It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples and embodiments shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure contemplates various embodiments. In addition, it should be understood that the above concepts with the above examples and embodiments can be employed alone or in combination with any of the other examples and embodiments described above. It should be further understood that the various alternatives and embodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment can be applied to all examples and embodiments described herein unless otherwise indicated.

[0091] Unless otherwise stated, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate, as if the word "about," "approximately," or "substantially" preceded the value or range. The terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" can be understood as describing a range within 15 percent of the specified value, unless otherwise stated.

[0092] In particular, conditional phrases used herein, such as "can," "could," "might," "may," and "eg," are intended to generally convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not, unless otherwise specified or understood otherwise within the context in which they are used. Thus, such conditional phrases are not generally intended to suggest that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether those features, elements, and / or steps are to be included in or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without authorial input or guidance. Terms such as "comprising," "including," and "having" are synonymous and are used inclusively in an open-ended manner and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and the like. Additionally, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not its exclusive sense), so that, for example, when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0093] Although specific examples have been described, these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or essential. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention disclosed herein. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the particular scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein.

[0094] It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods described herein do not necessarily have to be performed in the order described, and the order of steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Similarly, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention.

[0095] When elements appear in the method claims that follow, the elements are recited in a particular order with corresponding labels, but are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular order, unless the claim recitation otherwise implies a particular order for implementing some or all of those elements.

[0096] The words "inward", "outward", "upper" and "lower" refer respectively to directions toward and away from the geometric center of the highchair and its components.

[0097] It will be understood that references herein to "a" or "one" to describe a feature, such as a component or step, do not exclude additional or various features. For example, reference to a device having, comprising, including, or defining "one" of a feature does not exclude the device having, comprising, including, or defining more than one of that feature, so long as the device has, comprises, includes, or defines at least one of that feature. Similarly, references herein to "one of" a plurality of features do not exclude the invention from including more than one of the features. For example, reference to a device having, comprising, including, or defining "one of a protrusion and a recess" does not exclude the device from having both a protrusion and a recess.

Claims

1. A child safety seat for a vehicle, a main seat comprising a backrest, a seat bottom attached to the backrest, and a pair of belt guides, the seat bottom having a first seating surface defining a receiving space between the pair of belt guides; a harness including a first strap, a second strap, and a crotch buckle; A belt positioning seat including a seat body and at least one belt positioning guide, the seat body having a second seating surface and a bottom surface configured to be placed on a vehicle seat; the at least one belt positioning guide projects upwardly from the second seating surface; The seat body is configured to be removably coupled to the seat bottom within the receiving space so that, when the seat body is positioned within the receiving space, the crotch buckle is positioned above the second seating surface and removably fastened to the first strap and the second strap.

2. 2. The child safety seat of claim 1, wherein the belt positioning seat extends into the second seating surface and includes at least one opening configured to couple the crotch buckle to the belt positioning seat.

3. 3. The child safety seat according to claim 2, wherein the harness comprises a crotch strap having the crotch buckle and a webbing attached to the crotch buckle, and the webbing extends through the at least one opening when the seat body is positioned within the receiving space.

4. 4. The child safety seat of claim 3, wherein the webbing is attached to the seat bottom, and the at least one opening is sized to receive the crotch buckle therethrough when the belt positioning seat is received within the receiving space.

5. 4. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 3, wherein the webbing is attached to the belt locating seat such that when the belt locating seat is removed from the main seat, the crotch buckle is removed from the main seat together with the belt locating seat.

6. 3. The child safety seat of claim 2, wherein the belt positioning seat is configured such that the at least one belt positioning guide does not obstruct the at least one opening to prevent the crotch buckle from being installed or removed through the at least one opening.

7. 10. The child safety seat of claim 1, wherein the belt positioning seat includes at least one lap belt opening configured to receive a lap belt portion of the harness therethrough.

8. 8. The child safety seat of claim 7, wherein the at least one lap belt opening includes a pair of lap belt openings spaced apart from each other along a direction extending from a first belt guide of the pair of belt guides to a second belt guide of the pair of belt guides.

9. 9. The child safety seat of claim 8, wherein first and second belt openings of the pair of lap belt openings extend to first and second sides, respectively, of the belt positioning seat.

10. The at least one belt positioning guide comprises: a first belt positioning guide pivotally coupled to the seat body on an inner first side of a first belt opening of the pair of lap belt openings; 9. The child safety seat of claim 8, further comprising: a second belt positioning guide pivotally coupled to the seat body on an inner second side of a second of the pair of lap belt openings.

11. 9. The child safety seat of claim 8, wherein each lap belt opening extends to a rear end of the belt positioning seat.

12. 2. The child safety seat according to claim 1, wherein the seat bottom comprises first and second side walls spaced apart from one another to define at least a portion of the receiving space therebetween.

13. 13. The child safety seat of claim 12, wherein each of the first and second side walls defines at least one of a belt guide or an armrest.

14. the seat bottom has a rear end attached to the backrest and a front end spaced from the rear end along a first direction; the armrest includes first and second armrests, and the belt guide includes first and second belt guides; 14. The child safety seat of claim 13, wherein the first and second armrests are offset from the first and second belt guides, respectively, along the first direction.

15. a base attached to the seat such that the seat is configured to move relative to the base between an upright configuration and a reclined configuration; 15. A child safety seat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a lock configured to selectively secure the seat relative to the base in the upright and reclined configurations.

16. 16. The child safety seat of claim 15, wherein the base has a curved surface that conforms to a curved surface of the seat, and the seat is configured to transition between the upright configuration and the reclined configuration by translating the curved surface of the seat along the curved surface of the base.

17. 16. The child safety seat of claim 15, wherein the base comprises feet configured for placement on the vehicle seat and for movement to transition the child safety seat between the upright configuration and the reclined configuration.

18. A child safety seat as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of belt guides is configured to transition between a deployed position in which the at least one of the pair of belt guides protrudes upward from the second seating surface and a stored position in which the at least one belt guide is stored within a storage cavity defined within the seat body.

19. 2. The child safety seat of claim 1, wherein the seat bottom and the belt locating seat are both configured to separate from the seat back.

20. 2. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the belt positioning seat occupies a volume less than the volume of the seat bottom.

21. A child safety seat, With the base, A mainsheet supported by the base, the mainsheet comprising: a seat bottom including a pair of belt guides defining a receiving space therebetween; a mainseat comprising a backrest attached to the seat bottom, the backrest configured to move relative to the base to move between an upright configuration and a reclined configuration; a lock configured to selectively secure the mainseat relative to the base in the upright and reclined configurations; and A child safety seat comprising: a belt positioning seat configured to be received in the receiving space so as to removably connect the belt positioning seat to the main seat, the belt positioning seat including a seat body and at least one of the pair of belt guides, the seat body having an upper seating surface and a bottom surface adapted to be placed on a vehicle seat, the at least one belt guide protruding upward from the seat body.

22. 22. A child safety seat according to claim 21, wherein the seat bottom comprises first and second belt guides spaced apart from each other to define at least a portion of the receiving space therebetween.

23. 23. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein the seat bottom comprises first and second armrests spaced apart from one another to define at least a portion of the receiving space therebetween.

24. the seat bottom has a rear end attached to the backrest and a front end spaced from the rear end along a first direction; 24. The child safety seat of claim 23, wherein the first and second armrests are offset from the first and second belt guides, respectively, along the first direction.

25. 22. The child safety seat according to claim 21, wherein the seat bottom has an upper surface defining a recess therein, the recess at least partially defining the receiving space, and the upper seating surface of the seat body defining a bottom surface of the recess.

26. 22. The child safety seat of claim 21, wherein the base has a curved surface that conforms to a curved surface of the seat, and the seat is configured to transition between the upright configuration and the reclined configuration by translating the curved surface of the seat along the curved surface of the base.

27. 22. The child safety seat of claim 21, wherein the base comprises feet configured for placement on the vehicle seat and for movement to transition the child safety seat between the upright configuration and the reclined configuration.

28. 22. The child safety seat according to claim 21, wherein the at least one belt guide is configured to transition between a deployed position in which the at least one belt guide protrudes upward from the upper seating surface and a stored position in which the at least one belt guide is stored within a storage cavity defined within the seat body.

29. 22. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein both the seat bottom and the belt locating seat are adapted to separate from the seat back.

30. 22. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein the belt positioning seat occupies a volume less than the volume of the seat bottom.

Images